Thorpe Acre Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 May 2023

Leaders have high aspirations for all pupils to 'learn, work and succeed together'. Staff and pupils model these expectations. Pupils behave well and take pride in their work. They try their best to be 'ready, respectful and safe'. Pupils understand the school rules and know how they help them to stay safe. Pupils listen to and respect each other's differences. They know who to speak to if they have any worries. Staff take pupils' concerns seriously. They take appropriate action in keeping pupils safe, including when occasional incidents of bullying occur. Adults and pupils have positive relationships. Pupils are enthusiastic about their learning. Leaders are ambitious that all pupils will achieve well. This includes pupils with special educational needs/and or disabilities (SEND). Pupils who speak English as an additional language receive effective help. Pupils are proud of their achievements. Leaders place importance on broadening pupils' experiences. Pupils enjoyed their recent visit to Beaumanor Hall. They loved the school 'Bake Off' and the recent picnic to celebrate the King's Coronation with pupils who attend the nearby infant school. Pupils welcome the opportunity to develop their leadership skills as school councillors and house captains. They attend sports clubs after school. Pupils take part in many sports competitions.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, assessment practices are not as fully developed as in others. In these subjects, teachers do not always identify the next steps in learning as precisely as they could. Leaders should ensure that teachers know exactly how well pupils are learning in these subjects and use this to inform their planning.
• Despite leaders' best efforts so far, too many pupils, including some pupils with SEND, are persistently absent from school. This has a negative impact on their progress through the curriculum. Leaders should continue to look at different ways to improve pupils' attendance that build on the work they have already undertaken.
• Pupils do not have a good understanding of different religions and cultures. This means that they do not understand religious differences as well as they might. Leaders need to develop opportunities for children to learn about and remember different religions and cultures so that they are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)